A joint venture between Kushner Cos. and Rouse Properties is renovating The Heights at Monmouth, a state-of-the-art mixed-use destination in Eatontown, N.J.

Monmouth Mall in Eatontown, N.J.

“This long-term investment in Eatontown will transform Monmouth Mall into a 24/7 attraction unlike any other in the state,” Laurent Morali, Kushner Cos.’ president, said in a prepared release. “We’re thrilled to partner with industry leader Rouse to deliver a cutting-edge project that will serve Eatontown, Monmouth County and New Jersey for years to come.”

The modernization of the existing mall will follow other popular open-air projects around the country, including the Kushner-owned Pier Village in Long Branch, N.J.; Santana Row in San Jose, Calif.; and The Domain in Austin, Texas.

The design capitalizes on the strong underlying fundamentals of Monmouth County, which bridges the New York Metropolitan region and serves as a gateway to the Jersey Shore.

“We are excited to partner with Kushner to execute our shared vision for The Heights at Monmouth,” Brian Harper, Rouse Properties’ CEO, said. “Like us, Kushner has a proven track record of successfully identifying and unlocking the inherent value at its assets through strategic renovations and property updates. Throughout this project, we will leverage each other’s deep redevelopment and transformational expertise to deliver an innovative community-focused destination center that truly revolutionizes the way people live, eat, shop and unwind in Monmouth County and beyond.”

Plans include adding space to house a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, leisure and daily-use providers, bringing in residential space, and constructing common public areas that will offer an inviting and seamless community environment.

According to Harper, a highlight of the plan is the creation of Culinary Heights, an indoor culinary marketplace, which will feature a vast range of upscale restaurants, unique themed eateries, wine bars and tea boutiques, a public facing town square, a streetscape with prominent retail and dining options, an undulating canopied stairway at the main entrance, a curving glass monument and staircase, and an array of landscaped paths, terraces, water features, seating venues and meeting spots.

Monmouth Mall is currently the single largest source of tax revenue for Eatontown and the renovations will help tax relief for homeowners stay strong and viable over the long-term.

The joint venture is currently working on a site plan application and anticipates starting construction in 2018.